Gaza is facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with over 45,000 people killed, at least 111,000 injured, and nearly 1.9 million displaced multiple times, amid relentless bombardments. Women and children account for 70% of fatalities. Over 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure–from health services to water and sanitation– has been destroyed. Eighty percent (80%) of the Gaza strip is now a high risk area where people are forced to flee in search of the basics, especially in terms of safety. The UN Special Committee has determined that Israel›s warfare methods in Gaza are consistent with the characteristics of genocide.
In November 2024, UNFPA delivered vital SRH and GBV prevention, mitigation, and response services across Gaza and the West Bank. Over 25,000 people received SRH services, through the provision of essential medical supplies and clean delivery kits to health facilities, as well as postpartum kits to new mothers. Emergency obstetric and newborn care was expanded at key facilities. UNFPA-supported primary health care services offered family planning, antenatal/postnatal care, STI management, and gynecological consultations. Five containerized health units, part of larger field hospitals, are filling gaps in maternal health health care in displacement camps, including emergency obstetric care. GBV prevention and response efforts reached over 60,000 individuals, through safe spaces, cash assistance, dignity kits, and skills-building programmes for survivors. Over 12,700 adolescents and youth received support through education, mental health and recreational programmes, and remote counseling services.
As part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) Flash Appeal, UNFPA requested 90.2 million USD for its operational response from January to December 2024. As of November 2024, UNFPA has received 65.2 million USD. An additional 25 million USD is urgently needed to fully support UNFPA’s operational response through December 2024.